Russia has temporarily suspended access to internet services and SMS messaging for customers of Lithuanian and other European mobile operators using roaming in Russia, according to a statement from the Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority.
The telecommunications company Telia Lietuva also announced that data transmission and SMS messaging for its customers from Lithuania and other countries via Russian operator networks are currently unavailable. However, voice calls remain possible, the company noted.
According to information available to the Lithuanian regulator, similar restrictions apply to other European operators that maintain roaming agreements with Russian networks.
“It is claimed that the decision was made to ensure the safety of Russia and its citizens.
Therefore, foreign operators providing roaming services to Lithuanian operators are obliged to strictly comply with this restriction. Ignoring it may result in legal consequences, including criminal liability,” said Rita Liokaitite, head of the Electronic Communications Regulation Group at the Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority, in a statement to the BNS news agency.
She added that no formal complaints about roaming disruptions in Russia have been received so far.
The corporate communications head of Bite Lietuva, Jonius Špakauskas, confirmed to BNS that mobile internet and SMS services are unavailable while roaming in Russia.
According to Bite Lietuva specialists, the restriction may have been imposed as a measure by Russian authorities to protect against drone attacks, Špakauskas said.
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